1871. ] Proceedings of the Asiatie Society. 69 
heat is not accumulated, and at length at the pole no force at all 
can be exerted. 
The gradual disappearance of the regular daily variations of 
pressure, as we recede from the equator, was pointed out to be a 
phenomenon analogous to the corresponding disappearance near 
the equator of the ¢rregular variations of pressure, so strongly mark- 
ed nearthe pole. The steadiness of the pressure in India which 
is most marked, and the change that takes place from the cold 
season of greatest pressure to the hot season of least pressure, 
were referred to as phenomena readily explained in the manner 
suggested in the case of the daily variations. The constancy of 
the pressure over large areas, and the propagation of what may be 
ealled the irregular variations, from day to day, over the whole of 
India, were phenomena which had been noticed by the late Mr. 
James Prinsep, and some very instructive diagrams exhibiting this 
had been published in the Society’s Journal, Col. Strachey thought, 
in 1836, The subject had long ago attracted Col. 8.’s notice, and he 
invited attention to it as well worthy of special examination, in 
connexion with what he had said regarding the superimposing of 
waves in a fluid mass. These great fluctuations, extending over 
half the continent of Asia, were manifestly in the nature of great 
waves, and the smaller fluctuations affecting smaller areas, were 
smaller waves, or so to speak ripples, breaking into the general 
fluid surface. This part of the subject was one of much interest, 
in which very little had yet been done, and he hoped that Mr. 
Blanford might be able to throw more light upon it. 
The curves of temperature to which Mr. Blanford had directed 
attention were noticed by him as indicating certain irregularities of 
importance. Col. Strachey wished to say that in his opinion the 
first thing to do was to attend to the regularities. If we were ever to 
make a Science of Meteorology we must do it by supplying physical 
explanations of the observed phenomena. The regular phenomena 
were without any doubt those at the present time best deserving 
attention. When we had thoroughly mastered them, and were 
able to give a satisfactory explanation of their peculiarities, we 
should be in a reasonable position to advance to the irregularities. 
Tt certainly cannot be said that any such command has yet been ob- 
